Matt Dawson Voices Jonny Fears

Recently-retired big-eared scrum-half Matt Dawson has spoken out about his concerns for Newcastle's Jonny Wilkinson, as the fly-half seeks to shake off the injury curse that has surrounded him since 2003.  In the light of the recent departure of Rob Andrew, Dawson feels that extra pressure will be felt by Wilkinson, and that it could be to the player's detriment.

"Rob Andrew and other players have gone; all of a sudden he is that club.  Not only does that bring a mental pressure, it will take a physical toll because he will want to play in every minute of every game," said Dawson.  "He is certainly not near Charlie Hodgson for now, and needs to play a lot of games to get near him. But England do need Jonny at his best."